Mesolimbic confidence signals guide perceptual learning in the absence of external feedback
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Mesolimbic confidence signals guide perceptual learning in the absence of external feedback. / Guggenmos, Matthias; Wilbertz, Gregor; Hebart, Martin N; Sterzer, Philipp.
In: ELIFE, Vol. 5, 29.03.2016.Research output: SCORING: Contribution to journal › SCORING: Journal article › Research › peer-review
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Mesolimbic confidence signals guide perceptual learning in the absence of external feedback
AU - Guggenmos, Matthias
AU - Wilbertz, Gregor
AU - Hebart, Martin N
AU - Sterzer, Philipp
PY - 2016/3/29
Y1 - 2016/3/29
N2 - It is well established that learning can occur without external feedback, yet normative reinforcement learning theories have difficulties explaining such instances of learning. Here, we propose that human observers are capable of generating their own feedback signals by monitoring internal decision variables. We investigated this hypothesis in a visual perceptual learning task using fMRI and confidence reports as a measure for this monitoring process. Employing a novel computational model in which learning is guided by confidence-based reinforcement signals, we found that mesolimbic brain areas encoded both anticipation and prediction error of confidence-in remarkable similarity to previous findings for external reward-based feedback. We demonstrate that the model accounts for choice and confidence reports and show that the mesolimbic confidence prediction error modulation derived through the model predicts individual learning success. These results provide a mechanistic neurobiological explanation for learning without external feedback by augmenting reinforcement models with confidence-based feedback.
AB - It is well established that learning can occur without external feedback, yet normative reinforcement learning theories have difficulties explaining such instances of learning. Here, we propose that human observers are capable of generating their own feedback signals by monitoring internal decision variables. We investigated this hypothesis in a visual perceptual learning task using fMRI and confidence reports as a measure for this monitoring process. Employing a novel computational model in which learning is guided by confidence-based reinforcement signals, we found that mesolimbic brain areas encoded both anticipation and prediction error of confidence-in remarkable similarity to previous findings for external reward-based feedback. We demonstrate that the model accounts for choice and confidence reports and show that the mesolimbic confidence prediction error modulation derived through the model predicts individual learning success. These results provide a mechanistic neurobiological explanation for learning without external feedback by augmenting reinforcement models with confidence-based feedback.
KW - Adult
KW - Anticipation, Psychological
KW - Computer Simulation
KW - Feedback
KW - Female
KW - Humans
KW - Learning
KW - Limbic System
KW - Magnetic Resonance Imaging
KW - Models, Neurological
KW - Reinforcement (Psychology)
KW - Young Adult
KW - Journal Article
KW - Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
U2 - 10.7554/eLife.13388
DO - 10.7554/eLife.13388
M3 - SCORING: Journal article
C2 - 27021283
VL - 5
JO - ELIFE
JF - ELIFE
SN - 2050-084X
ER -